ENERGY STAR Labeled Building Profile

The Nulhegan Basin Administration Building and Visitor Contact Facility is located at the Nulhegan Basin Division of the Silvio O.Conte Fish and Wildlife Refuge. This refuge was established to protect the diversity and abundance of native species within the Connecticut River watershed. The building was constructed to be energy efficient and sustainable.

Sustainable Site

?Brownfield redevelopment: This facility was positioned on a site that had been disturbed by previous development. Using the Brownfield site allowed the refuge's natural habitat to be left in an undisturbed state.

?Light pollution reduction: Site lighting was kept the minimum levels required for safety. Fixtures were chosen that direct light downward to ensure the visual access to the night sky and to prevent the disruption of nocturnal animal habitats.

Water Efficiency

?No irrigation: Native plant species were selected to increase areas of local habitat and to ensure that no potable water would be used for irrigation.

?Optimize Energy Performance: A high efficiency furnace was specified to reduce the amount of fossil fuel emissions on the site. Occupancy and daylight sensors reduce the amount of energy used for artificial lighting.

Materials and Resources

?Recycled Content: Carpet, ceiling tiles and gypsum wallboard were all specified to have a high level of recycled content thereby reducing the demand on harvesting virgin materials and reducing the burden on our landfills.

?Regional Materials: Vermont slate flooring was specified from a nearby quarry.Quarter-sawn clapboards were used as exterior siding, supplied by a local mill.Regional materials help to support local economies and reduce the amount of fossil fuels used to transport goods for long distances.

?Rapidly Renewable Resources: Glue laminated columns and beams were used as the structural system in the public spaces because they can be built up from smaller stock lumber thereby reducing the need to harvest old growth trees used in solid timber construction.

?Salvaged Materials: Wood counters, salvaged from the site's previous building, were used in the lobby.Salvaged materials reduce the use of undisturbed resources.

Indoor Environmental Quality

?Natural Ventilation: Operable windows allow for outside air to be used for passive cooling reducing the use of fossil fuels and connecting the occupants with the outdoor temperatures and humidity cycles.

?Low Emitting Materials: Paint systems have zero harmful VOC gases ensuring the health of the applicator and the occupants of the building.Formaldehyde free products were used to prevent harmful off-gassing from polluting the indoor air quality.

?Non-toxic Materials: Materials that produce toxins during their manufacture, during their use and at the end of their useful lives were avoided to ensure the health of the building occupants.

?Daylight and Views: Offices and the lobby space are designed with access to natural light and views to the refuge, connecting building occupants to the environment and minimizing energy use required by artificial lighting.

Please note: Narrative information in this profile has been provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or a representative of this facility. Other building information was verified and submitted to EPA at the time of application. Building energy performance, operating characteristics, and ownership/management may be subject to change over time.